Robert D. Wilson, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away in his home on April 20, 2026, at the age of 77. Known to all as Bob, he was born in East Prairie, Missouri, to Thelma (Griffin) Noisworthy and Bertie Wilson on August 27, 1948.

After graduating from East Prairie High School, Bob earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri before attending Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. While working in downtown Chicago, Bob met the love of his life, Marlene. The couple moved back to Bob's hometown of East Prairie in 1972 and were married in 1974. Their son, Dennis, was born in 1977.

Bob dedicated much of his career to MoDOT, serving in the Sikeston, Kennett, and Jackson offices. He retired in 2003 following the completion of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, a testament to his professional skill.

Bob was a man of quiet strength and remarkable patience. He possessed a unique ability to look at everyday problems and apply simple knowledge and life skills to fix them—usually accompanied by a trademark bit of dry wit. A man of deep conviction, he was never afraid to stand up for his principles.

His inner circle of family and friends was tight knit, bound by a shared love of music, horseback riding, and the philosophy of enjoying life as it came. Whether he was trail riding with Marlene, making wine, or playing guitar around a campfire, Bob made a positive impact on everyone he met.

Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marlene (Bolman); his son, Dennis (Carrie); his beloved granddaughter, Mara; his siblings, Gary Wilson of North Carolina and Joyce Helms of Oklahoma; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will take place in Oak Ridge, Missouri, later this summer.